Much of The Great Gatsby works to comment on and depict aspects of 1920's American society. Fitzgerald uses East Egg and West Egg to comment on changes in wealth and the distribution of such wealth.
East Egg
East Egg represents the old aristocracy. These people have money, but they also know how to play the societal games, if you will. The people who live here are more refined and well-bred. The homes are classic in stlye and the society is more sedate. Tom and Daisy live here, showing their connection to the old aristocracy. Gatsby has always wanted to be a part of the wealthy society, and is enticed to East Egg by the green light shining towards him. Daisy, the woman Gatsby has always wanted, but never builds a relationship with also lives in East Egg.
West Egg
West Egg represents the newly rich. It also represents immorality and social decay. West Egg is a playground for the young, wealthy Americans. West egg represents both money and pleasure for all who find themselves in the rapture of such a place. These people don't really have any social standing, even if they have money. Nick and Gatsby live here, representing ownership of wealth, but lack of connection to wealthy society. Gatsby's new mansion is here, but so is Nick's $80 per month shack. The people here lack the refined nature of the East Egg people.
However, many people from East Egg appear at Gatsby's parties. West Egg acts as a place where even the most refined can get away from it all and loose their inhibitions for a moment.
Water/Barriers
The river running between the two portions of society represent the barriers that keep people apart and away from that which they truly desire. The barriers between everyone aslo represent behavior as one of the many hypocrises in the novel.
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